Formal Complaint: Unauthorised R4,780 Deduction From My Absa Cheque Account

I am lodging a formal complaint against Absa Vehicle Finance/Recoveries regarding the deduction of R4,780.00 from my Absa cheque account, reflected as:

“Journal Debit RCCS BOS J” – R4,780.00

I did not authorise this specific deduction, nor did I consent to Absa removing the entire available balance from my cheque account.

Background

I previously had an Absa Vehicle Finance account. The vehicle was sold through Absa, resulting in an outstanding shortfall of approximately R20,000+.

I have never disputed my legitimate obligation to repay the outstanding debt and have always been willing to resolve the matter.

After a period of unemployment, the account was handed over to collections. Once I became employed again, a repayment arrangement of R500 per month was agreed.

I was prepared to make the agreed R500 payment. Instead, Absa deducted R4,780.00 from my cheque account without my consent, effectively taking the money that was available in my account.

I formally dispute the R4,780 deduction

I require Absa to provide documentary proof of the authority re**** upon to make this deduction, including:

The debit-order mandate, contractual provision or other authority re**** upon. Proof that I specifically authorised the R4,780.00 deduction. The date the instruction was created and/or submitted. The department, agent or entity that initiated the transaction. An explanation as to why R4,780.00 was deducted when a R500 monthly repayment arrangement had been agreed. Confirmation of whether this was processed as a debit order, journal entry, internal transfer, set-off or another form of collection. If Absa relies on a contractual right of set-off, the specific contractual clause and legal basis re**** upon. Full account reconciliation required

I also require a complete statement and reconciliation of the former Vehicle Finance account, including:

Original amount financed; All payments made; Outstanding balance before the vehicle sale; Vehicle sale proceeds; Costs associated with the sale; Exact shortfall following the sale; Interest and fees charged; Collection and/or legal costs; All subsequent payments; The R4,780.00 transaction; and The current outstanding balance.

I require sufficient information to independently verify exactly how the amount claimed by Absa has been calculated.

Repayment arrangement

I want to make my position clear: I am not refusing to pay a legitimate outstanding debt.

I am willing to continue making affordable repayments and request that the previously agreed R500 monthly arrangement be reinstated or that a new affordable arrangement be negotiated.

However, I cannot accept Absa simply removing the entire available balance from my bank account without providing the contractual and legal authority for doing so.

Immediate refund requested

I am requesting the immediate reversal/refund of the R4,780.00 while this disputed transaction is